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The CITE, a blog published by the National Association of College Stores, takes a look at the intersection of education and technology, highlighting issues that range from course materials to learning delivery to the student experience. Comments, discussion, feedback, and ideas are welcome.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Flipped Classrooms Gaining Momentum

A new report from the Center for Digital Education and
Sonic Foundry found that half of the faculty members participating in an the
online survey said they are using the flipped-classroom model or plan to in the
next 12 months. Of the respondents already using the technique, 57% said the
experience was successful.

A flipped classroom allows students to learn new
content at home online, with what used to be homework assignments being done
in class with the instructor offering more personalized guidance and
interaction.

According to the study,
81% of respondents reported an “improved mastery of information” from students,
while 80% said there was “improved retention of information.” Instructors also
cited better learning experiences for students, greater availability of
technology, and positive results from trials as the top reasons for using
flipped classrooms.

“Based upon my experience, the benefits of the flipped-classroom
model far outweigh the challenges, and I’ve seen the difficulties with
implementing the model decrease over time as efficiencies are realized,”
Clemson University lecturer Ralph Welsh wrote in the report. “It has also
allowed me to tailor my classroom time more toward answering specific student
questions and discussing the material at a more applied, higher level of
thinking.”

Preparing for a flipped classroom takes more time,
according to 75% of the responding faculty members, but 83% agreed or strongly
agreed that the model had a positive impact on their classrooms. Another 86% said
student attitudes improved as well.

A quarter of the respondents said they plan to use
flipped classrooms across all disciplines and 51% record their own video
content.A webcast of the findings is
available at sonicfoundry.com.